MOTOR VEHICLE OWNER LIABLE.

The New York Times
August 26, 1900

Man Whose Horse Was Frightened Recovers Damages.

LINDENHURST, L. I., Aug 25.—Damages have just been awarded to Daniel Platt, a merchant of Patchogue, against Wilson R. Smith of Smith, Gray & Co., of New York and Brooklyn, for injuries received in an accident resulting from Platt's horse becoming frightened at Smith's automobile and running away. Mr. Platt and his wife were driving on July 3 at West Patchogue, when they met Mr. Smith in his automobile.

Mr. Platt's horse, at sight of the machine, ran away, and Mr. Platt and his wife were thrown from the vehicle. Mr. Platt was only slightly injured, but his wife received, it is alleged, several scalp woulds and was severely bruised about the body. Mr. Platt asked for $170 damages for the injuries sustained by him and the resulting medical expenses, and for the damage to his carriage, which was badly smashed. He received a verdict for $120.

Mrs. platt, it is said, will now bring suit for damages for injuries received by her.

A number of accidents to persons and animals are reported to have been caused by the speeding of automobiles, and a crusade will be made to regulate the speed of the machines.